HC Deb 02 February 1976 vol 904 cc439-40W
Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the number of consignments of imported apples were inspected (a) in docks and (b) elsewhere during 1975, or the latest part thereof for which figures are available.

Mr. Strang

4,678 inspections of imported apples were carried out during the six-month period ending 31st December 1975. Approximately 33 per cent. of these were carried out in the docks and at other Customs clearance points and the remainder were carried out elsewhere.

Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food how many people are employed (a) in docks and (b) generally, in whole or in part, upon the inspection of imported apples; how many were so employed on 1st July 1975; and how many are expected to be so employed on 1st July 1976.

Mr. Strang

No staff are employed exclusively on the inspection of imported apples. Of the total inspectorate numbering 137, it is estimated that on 1st July 1975 some 35 inspectors were operating on a shift basis at the various docks and Customs clearance points. In addition, most of the remainder would have occasion to carry out some inspections of imported produce at other stages of distri- bution. No immediate change in disposition is foreseen.